Anime, a cultural treasure Japan has long been proud of and beloved for many years.
It’s not unusual for massive hits to emerge every year, and sometimes we see booms that come to symbolize an era.
Perhaps some of you even started something new because you were inspired by anime.
In this article, we’re highlighting classic anime that people in their 30s will likely find nostalgic!
Our focus spans the 1990s, with picks from the late ’80s through the mid-2000s.
Some of these titles are available on YouTube, so take your time and enjoy watching them.
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- [Anime Songs] Anime tracks recommended for men in their 30s to sing at karaoke
- Masterpiece anime that Heisei-born people feel nostalgic about
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Recommended popular anime from the 2000s
- Anisongs that were hits in the 2000s: a nostalgic collection of legendary tracks
- Calling all 20-somethings! A roundup of nostalgic anime from the 2000s to the 2010s
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
- [Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
- Iconic scenes overlap! Anime songs recommended for the yutori generation
Calling all thirty-somethings! Nostalgic anime (1990s-based) (1–10)
SLAM DUNK
The SLAM DUNK series made waves again when the film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK was released in 2022.
Originally a manga by Takehiko Inoue serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump, the anime adaptation began airing on TV in 1993.
Of course the story is great, but the theme songs are all absolute classics too—like “I Want to Shout ‘I Love You,’” “Only You I’m Watching,” and “Until the World Ends.
.
.”! Rewatching it might just make you want to add that left hand again.
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a work that portrays how a swordsman said to be the strongest at the end of the Edo period lived on in the Meiji era.
It depicts the protagonist, Kenshin Himura—once feared as the manslayer Battōsai—taking a vow never to kill and helping those in need.
The story is compelling, from Kenshin’s past and inner turmoil to his interactions with a cast of fascinating allies and his ferocious battles with arch-enemies.
The intense action set in a world like a period drama stirred the hearts of viewers.
It is a long‑loved series that helped support Shonen Jump’s golden age.
Detective Conan
Detective Conan is a mystery anime about Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and solves numerous difficult cases as elementary schooler Conan Edogawa.
Since its debut in 1996, it has been loved by audiences of all ages as a nationally beloved series.
In addition to its authentic mystery elements with intricate tricks, its distinctive characters are a major draw, and the story’s shifts from comedic to serious keep viewers engrossed.
Not only the TV anime but also the feature films attract attention, giving the impression of a franchise whose momentum shows no sign of slowing.
Chibi Maruko-chan
Based on the manga by Momoko Sakura, this work has continued to be loved by people of all ages since it began airing in 1990, to the point that it can be called a national anime.
Through the perspective of the protagonist, Maruko, nostalgic Showa-era scenery and the small happenings common in childhood are depicted with humor.
A key point is that the main character reflects the author, Momoko Sakura, and together with her distinctive friends, the everyday lives of children at the time are conveyed with a comedic yet realistic touch.
It’s a series that reminds us of the important things in daily life—family bonds, friendships, and the small joys of everyday moments.
Digimon Adventure
The anime Digimon Adventure, which aired in 1999, is a story about children who get lost in another world and embark on an adventure.
Their encounters with Digimon in the Digital World, and the way each of them grows and deepens their bonds throughout their journey, resonated with viewers.
The unique personalities and action of the Digimon are part of the appeal, and the emotion and intensity come through especially strongly in the evolution scenes.
The children each struggle with their own issues, and many viewers likely related to watching them move forward while grappling with their worries.
Inuyasha
Inuyasha is known as a landmark in yokai-themed anime.
It’s a long-running series based on Rumiko Takahashi’s manga, and many theatrical films were produced as well—so plenty of people likely remember going to see them.
The story follows Kagome, a high school girl who time-slips to the Sengoku period and deepens her connections with the people and yokai she meets there.
One of the series’ charms is its cast of distinctive characters.
Incidentally, the story is split into two parts, with the conclusion airing under the title Inuyasha: The Final Act.
Ojamajo Doremi
Ojamajo Doremi is an anime series that began airing in 1991.
The story follows Doremi Harukaze, a girl who dreams of becoming a witch, as she faces various challenges as a witch apprentice.
It was a pioneering work in the magical girl genre, and the contrast between the traditionally scary image of witches and the cute character designs became a hot topic.
I should also add that the opening theme, Ojamajo Carnival!!, has become a karaoke staple.